CRITTER CHATTER: Reminiscing at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center – Part 2

Undated photo of Don Cote with rescued baby raccoon. (file photo)

by Jayne Winters

As a follow-up to last month’s stroll down Memory Lane, here is another article Carleen Cote wrote in 2004:

“Over our 40 years, we have cared for every species of Maine mammal except for the Pine Martin [sic]. We have cared for every species of water mammal.

Caring for the mammals every year is one thing. We also needed to have places to release the wildlife back into the wild. Without the wonderful landowners who so graciously allowed us to enter their property to release the wildlife, releasing could have posed a problem. Our ventures into the fields and forests provided us with an opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery, to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the rush of life, to listen to birds singing, squirrels scolding as we invaded their territory, the rushing and babbling of waters in streams and brooks as they wandered along to their next destination and the wonderful scents of the forest and the colors of fall foliage.”

“Over the years, area veterinarians have generously provided their services to the injured wildlife. They include Drs. Langdon and Peter Davis, Dr. Mike Hersom of Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital in Augusta; Dr. Dale Allerding, Drs. Darryl Praul and Erika Matthies Praul of Windsor Veterinary Clinic; and the wonderful staff of both hospitals.

We have met hundreds of wonderful people who have come to the Center to deliver a bird or mammal in need of human assistance, or who have come for a tour. Hundreds have made donations to help feed and house the wildlife, many of whom have become regular donors. School children have done projects to raise money for the Center. Area businesses have donated meats and produce or placed collection containers for donations. It is truly heart-warming to know that so many care about and want to help the wildlife.

In September 2003, 35 people came to the Center for a work day. These people gave up a day, after working all week, to build new pens, tear down others, and do any other work that we needed done but did not have time to do – as our time was spent in caring for the babies.”

I’ve only been writing this column since 2019 and don’t know all those who have supported Duck Pond over the years, but want to include Dr. Cody Minor and all the vet techs, assistants, and office staff at Windsor Veterinary Clinic who have provided care to Don’s wildlife patients since I’ve come “on board.” I would be remiss not to recognize the most recent volunteers I’ve met: Debbie, Jane, Don, Jeff and the late Amy Messier, as well as the folks who have helped with snow plowing and shoveling, lawn mowing, hauling brush, and making dump runs; Inland Fisheries &Wildlife biologists and wardens; Animal Control Officers and Agents; farmers who provided fresh goat milk for the fawns. Last, but certainly not least, a HUGE thank you to fellow wildlife rehabbers who have been so welcoming and helpful in accepting critter transfers since Don’s hospitalization last May. And, of course, much appreciation is extended to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Town Line, and Turner Publishing, for bringing Critter Chatter back to readers, following Carleen’s unexpected passing in April 2018.

In December, I’ll continue down Memory Lane with stories about student fundraisers!

PLEASE NOTE: Due to health issues, Don is not accepting or assessing any wildlife at this time, nor taking phone inquiries or referrals. He has been working with Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (207-212-1039; FYI, Jen accepts bats and mice), Wilderness Miracles, in Bowdoin (207-720-0074), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). Mid-coast Maine has a new turtle rehabber! Pam Meier can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708).Please check these websites for a rehabber close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine. gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/ wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. – PHONE MESSAGES & EMAILS ARE NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.